How To Help An Abandoned Dog: Shelter Workers Find Malnourished Dog With A Heartbreaking Letter From Her Owner

Thousands of animals have been neglected and abandoned because their previous owners could not care for them. Thankfully, there are animal shelters that provide these creature with a temporary home to heal and recover from the trauma of such neglect.

According to statistics gathered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 6.5 million companion animals enter the United States shelters every year. While this may sound like a lot, the good news is that the numbers have drastically decreased from the 7.2 million recorded in 2011.

Nevertheless, there's still a lot we can do as kind citizens and animal lovers. And that's why this story of a dog getting a second chance truly warms the heart.

An abandoned dog with a message

Workers at an animal shelter in Delaware were just going about their daily duties when they came across a sweet-looking but obviously malnourished dog with a heartbreaking letter. The handwritten note, which was shared by the Delaware Humane Association read:

Please take care of Sky. She is 6 years old and friendly. I couldn’t take care of her. I became homeless and couldn’t feed her. She is not sick, just hungry. Very friendly. Please find her a home, please.

Director of animal care Kerry Flanagan Bruni told Delaware Online that, apart from being underweight and having fleas, the dog is doing great. Bruni also mentioned that the shelter would try to contact Sky's former owners to see if there was any way they could reunite the dog with her family and help them out.

She also added that if no one claimed Sky after a mandatory 5-day hold, the dog would be placed in a foster home to continue to recover until she can find a forever home.

How to help an abandoned pet

The good news is that Sky was left at a shelter where she was able to get help as soon as possible. But, sometimes, dogs are abandoned on the streets or other places where they may not be able to find help in time. So, as an animal lover, what can you do if you spot a dog abandoned in such a way? Animalwised provides some tips that can help.

Approach the dog gently and from the side. An abandoned dog will probably be scared and may react aggressively. Speak in a measured and reassuring tone to calm it down;

As you get closer, duck down slightly and bend your knees until you reach its level. Then, extend your hand so the dog can sniff it. Do all these gradually as sudden movements can scare it off;

If you have some food or snack with you, you can lay it on the ground to get the dog's attention and build trust;

If you get the dog to connect with you, take it to your local animal control agency so they can try and trace its owners, and also check for health issues.

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You can find more information on how to care for an abused and abandoned dog here.

By being kind and vigilant, you may help an abandoned animal find a new home and the love it so desperately needs.